Objekt 3
Horseshoe magnet (for magnetic gallows no. 2)
Description
The horseshoe magnet was made by the Basel goldsmith Johann Dietrich. The council paid him 15 louis d'or for it on September 27, 1755. It is not proven that he also invented it. The magnet is surrounded on both ends by brass cuffs bearing the signature and the indications SUD and NORD, respectively. The two middle layers, 1 cm longer, protrude through the end cuffs to serve as a magnet. An iron with a movable hook hangs from it, on which weights could probably be hung to demonstrate the magnetic force and to measure it at the same time. There is also a gallows from which the magnet is suspended by a leather cord.
Object description
Manufacturer: Johannes Dietrich (1715-1758)
Basel, 1755
six single steel magnets, held together by brass brackets, with anchor
Signature: Johan / Dietrich / Jnvenit et Fecit / 1755, Basel staff
according to inventory "Physicksaal" 1757: "Herr Dietrichs grosser artficial magnet", No. 137
Depositum Institute of Physics of the University of Basel, Phys. 3/2.
Inv. 1986.439.